A seminal moment in the study of U.S. Catholic parish life came in the 1980s with the publication of a series of reports from the ground-breaking Notre Dame Study of Catholic Parish Life. These reports are now badly outdated, as Catholic dioceses grapple with new challenges that didn't exist in the 80s. Topics that were not considered then, like greater Catholic mobility, increased cultural diversity, and structural re-organization as well as the rise of lay leadership, have attained new significance. This timely book, based on more than a decade of research, provides an in-depth portrait and analysis of the current state of parish life and leadership. Unique in the scope of the research and the timeliness of its findings, the book critically examines the current state of parish life. The authors draw on data from national polls of Catholics, national surveys of parishes, and thousands of in-pew surveys which explore parishioners' needs, experiences, and satisfaction with parish life in the twenty-first century. The book provides a unique 360-degree view of parish life from the perspective of pastors, parish staff, parishioners, as well as the larger Catholic population.

Catholic Parishes of the 21st Century

Politics & Social Sciences

Gautier, Mary L.

Zech, Charles E.

Gray, Mark M.

Wiggins, Jonathon L.

Gaunt, Thomas P.

Sociology

Oxford University Press

This important study documents the continuing decline in mission funding throughout the mainline denominations in North America and Australia and offers sound, biblically based recommendations for turning the situation around. Ronald Vallet and Charles Zech examine the downward trend in mission funding and seek to explain the phenomenon by exploring social science theories that at the same time purport to provide solutions to the problem. They go beyond these theories, however, by arguing that mainline denominations are in fact fatally enmeshed in the assumptions and presuppositions of modernity and that insights and real solutions to the funding crisis are more likely to be found in renewed Bible study and theological reflection.

The Mainline Church's Funding Crisis: Issues and Possibilities (Faith's Horizons)

Vallet, Ronald E.

History

Eerdmans Pub.Co.

This is the first book to analyze parish restructuring and generate recommendations from the perspective of parishioners.

Listening to the People of God: Closing, Rebuilding, and Revitalizing Parishes

Religion & Spirituality

Miller, Robert J.

Christian Books & Bibles

Paulist Press

Most Catholic parishes struggle with basic financial issues like budgeting, internal financial controls, and financial planning. Canon law places the responsibility for parish finances squarely on the lap of the pastor; but pastors typically are not versed in financial matters -- their gifts reside elsewhere. Lacking training on these important topics, many parishes employ a parish business manager, but their background and competence in addressing these critical issues varies widely. Church leaders at all levels need a single comprehensive source, written in a style that they can understand, to guide them through the steps needed to ensure an effective, as well as an accountable and transparent, financial process. This book delivers on all of these needs. It promises to be: 1. Practical... Provides outcome-oriented solutions. The book not only teaches concepts but provides solutions for ministers on the go. 2. Accessible... Clarifies key terminology, offers easy-to-use templates, and turns complex concepts into action-oriented tools. 3. Best-in-Class... Offers proven methods that provide the foundation for techniques and tactics that can be used in everyday situations. 4. Interactive... Uses examples throughout the book based on actual challenges and common questions relevant to parish life. The material is intended for readers to engage by practicing the concepts and trying out the tools. 5. Resourceful... Provides readers meaningful resources for further study. This book will serve as an indispensable one-stop guide to understanding parish finances.

Parish Finance: Best Practices in Church Management

Castrilli, Michael J.

As an adjunct to the Best Practices in Church Management Series, Creativity in Church Management covers a number of topics that, while important, do not warrant their own volumes in the series. Topics include coresponsibility, managing parish diversity, and issues surrounding parish reconfiguration and consolidation. +

Creativity in Church Management (t): Entrepreneurship for a 21st-Century Parish

If you want to raise more revenue, more quickly and easily, you owe it to yourself - and those you minister to - to examine the practical advice and solid information presented in this book. Written for pastors, diocesan staff, development directors, stewardship committees, and anyone else whose job includes generating income.

Why Catholics Don't Give ... and What Can Be Done About It

Our Sunday Visitor

These days you need more than a second collection or a snappy slogan to raise money for your parish, diocese, organization, or school. Why? That's what Charles E. Zech explains in Why Catholics Don?t Give ? And What Can Be Done About It, Revised. Written for pastors, diocesan staff, development directors, stewardship committees, and anyone else whose job includes generating income, this book shows you: What traditional methods actually lead to a decrease in giving The contribution patterns of seniors, baby-boomers, and Generation Xers The relationship between stewardship and fund raising The truth behind theories that try to explain why Catholics give so little ? which are believable and which are bunk Seven things the Catholic Church can do to increase contributions If you want to raise more revenue, more quickly and easily, you owe it to yourself ? and those you minister to ? to examine the practical advice and solid information presented in this book.

Why Catholics Don't Give And What Can Be Done About It

World

Based on a survey of stewardship parishes across the country, this is the most comprehensive analysis of both financial and non-financial stewardship activities ever published. Author Charles E. Zech explores more than just the impact of stewardship on parish income he also analyzes time and talent contributions, measuring everything from volunteer activity to Mass attendance to outreach programs like prison ministries or soup kitchen sponsorship. Activities that have a direct impact on stewardship, including community building endeavors, financial accountability and transparency, and parish communications are also examined. Get ideas, confirmation, and results by understanding what works and doesn t work at stewardship parishes across the country. Every parish can benefit from this insightful study and learn how to approach stewardship in exciting, productive, and faith-building ways.

Best Practices in Parish Stewardship

Reference

Encyclopedias & Subject Guides

Best Practices in Catholic Pastoral and Finance Councils by Zech, Charles. Published by Our Sunday Visitor,2010, Binding: Hardcover

Best Practices in Catholic Pastoral and Finance Councils

Bendyna, Mary E.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Zech, Charles E.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Zech, Charles E.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Zech, Charles E.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Catholic Parishes of the 21st Century

The Mainline Church's Funding Crisis: Issues and Possibilities (Faith's Horizons)

Listening to the People of God: Closing, Rebuilding, and Revitalizing Parishes

Parish Finance: Best Practices in Church Management

Creativity in Church Management (t): Entrepreneurship for a 21st-Century Parish

Why Catholics Don't Give ... and What Can Be Done About It

Why Catholics Don't Give And What Can Be Done About It

Best Practices in Parish Stewardship

Best Practices in Catholic Pastoral and Finance Councils

Best Practices in Parish Stewardship